Africa, the second largest continent on the earth, gives limitless potentialities for adventurers. As a result of every nation has its personal distinctive tradition, landscapes and points of interest, selecting a vacation spot will be each thrilling and overwhelming.
Many vacationers hesitate to go to Africa because of misconceptions about security, typically influenced by experiences of crime in sure areas. Nevertheless, this notion is much from correct: most African international locations are peaceable and hospitable.
Is Africa safer in 2025 than in 2024?
No – Africa as an entire is not considerably safer in 2025 in comparison with 2024. The truth is, in line with the Institute for Economics & Peace’s World Peace Index, Sub-Saharan Africa’s common peace rating has worsened by about 0.17%. Whereas some international locations on the continent have improved, many nonetheless face battle escalation and safety challenges, which means the pattern is considered one of elevated threat quite than total enchancment.
The 2025 World Peace Index map
Most secure International locations in Africa to Go to in 2025
This text goals to problem these myths and spotlight a few of them most secure international locations in Africa based on the GPI peace index.
10. Liberia (70/163)
Within the 2025 GPI, Liberia ranks first seventieth out of 163 international locationswith a complete rating of approx 1,939 (the place a decrease rating means a extra peaceable nation).
This rating locations Liberia in the course of the pack globally – higher than many international locations, however nonetheless with room for enchancment in societal security, safety and institutional energy.
Liberia gives vacationers the prospect to expertise the colourful tradition of West Africa firsthand. The bustling capital Monrovia is residence to dozens of markets the place artisans promote their most interesting handmade wares, and the Liberia Nationwide Museum gives perception into the historical past of Africa’s oldest republic.
9. Senegal (69/163)
Within the 2025 version of the GPI – which ranks 163 impartial states and territories based mostly on peacefulness – Senegal is ranked 69th worldwide with a rating of 1,936. This rating locations Senegal within the ‘common’ peace class and reveals that the nation is extra peaceable than many different international locations, however that there’s vital room for enchancment in comparison with essentially the most peaceable international locations.
So as to add context, final 12 months (2024) Senegal ranked 84th with a rating of two,084. The nation is thus exhibiting an upward enchancment in its 2025 peace rankings. However, its 69th place out of 163 nonetheless implies that Senegal gives a comparatively steady atmosphere in roughly the highest half of nations worldwide – but additionally one with potential safety and peace-related challenges that guests and residents ought to bear in mind.
8. Zambia (64/163)
Zambia made super progress in 2024, climbing the ranks of the most secure international locations in Africa and now ranks 57th on the earth.
The US Division of State has highlighted Zambia in its annual report on Journey Advisory level 1 for traveler safety. Which means that vacationers ought to take common precautions and never panic.
A couple of areas in Zambia, such because the Copperbelt Province and Lusaka, have larger than regular crime charges, however none of those areas are thought of ‘unsafe’ by worldwide requirements.
7. Ghana (61/163)
Ghana is positioned nearly within the heart of the world map. Though Ghana would not host too most of the different points of interest that its African counterpart international locations do, similar to safaris, wildlife, eco-tours and extra. It has a number of cultural heritage relationship again to the 18th centurye century. Negligible instances of crime have been reported within the capital Accra and the town is all the time bustling with locals and vacationers alike.
There are a number of points of interest you’ll be able to take pleasure in in Ghana. Browsing the seashores of Accra, Jamestown, exploring Cape Coast Castles and visiting a number of nationwide parks right here and there are among the actions that make Ghana an incredible go to.
6. Madagascar (59/163)
Madagascar is mostly thought of a protected vacation spot for vacationers who use widespread sense and stay conscious of their environment. The nation’s individuals are heat and hospitable, and most visits are trouble-free. Nevertheless, petty crimes similar to pickpocketing or theft from unattended luggage can happen, particularly in crowded areas and markets. Vacationers are suggested to keep away from displaying valuables and to make use of registered taxis when transferring across the metropolis, particularly after darkish.
Though violent crime is uncommon, there could also be a restricted legislation enforcement presence in some rural and distant areas. So it’s best to journey exterior the large cities with a information or group. Roads will be tough and touring after sundown will not be really useful because of poor lighting and street situations.
5. Sierra Leone (57/163)
This small coastal nation (71,740 km2) is one other haven for vacationers who contemplate security as their major concern. Nevertheless, not like the opposite international locations beforehand talked about, Sierra Leone does have a little bit of against the law downside.
Greater than 60% of the nation’s inhabitants lives under the poverty line and because the saying goes, “poverty breeds crime.” Sierra Leone is understood for its nightlife and events, particularly throughout events like Christmas and Easter. Most crime happens in city areas, whereas the remainder of the nation is comparatively crime-free.
In keeping with the UK authorities, most journeys to Sierra Leone are comparatively risk-free, however there have been few instances of vacationers being robbed in Gun Level. If you’re visiting the nation for a brief interval, keep away from walks after 10pm and ensure you all the time journey in teams. Touring with an area is an additional security measure. Supply (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sierra-leone/safety-and-security)
4. Gambia (55/164)
The Gambia has extremely risen 16 positions prior to now 12 months to turn out to be the fourth most secure nation in Africa.
The Gambia is taken into account one of many safer international locations in West Africa, identified for its peaceable environment and pleasant locals. Violent crime is comparatively uncommon, particularly in comparison with some neighboring international locations.
The nation’s stability has been maintained because of a protracted custom of tolerance and hospitality, with Gambians typically going out of their method to welcome guests. Petty crime similar to pickpocketing or bag snatching can happen, particularly in crowded areas or vacationer hotspots, however can typically be averted by taking fundamental precautions.
3. Namibia (53/163)
Namibia has made nice progress in security, leaping from 62nd to fiftieth place between 2024 and 2025, changing into the third most secure nation in Africa!
Namibia gives area, tranquility and the chance to get away from all of it: It’s the second least densely populated nation on the earth, with solely two inhabitants per sq. kilometer.
You may drive for hours below a transparent blue sky with out seeing one other car, surrounded by landscapes so huge and barren that you just typically really feel like you might be on the sting of the earth. There aren’t many locations left in an overpopulated world the place you’ll be able to immerse your self so deeply in distant wilderness as in Namibia.
2. Botswana (43/163)
The land of the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana is considered one of Africa’s hidden gems and is understood not just for its thriving nature, but additionally for the extraordinary views that every of its locations has to supply.
Crime in Botswana is at an all-time low; the favored cities of Francistown, Gaborone and Maun hardly ever expertise instances of great crime.
If you’re actually involved about safety in Africa, Botswana needs to be the primary alternative. Safaris to Botswana are typically dearer than a daily African safari journey, so you might wish to keep watch over costs.
1. Mauritius (26/163) – Most secure nation in Africa
In keeping with the present GPI rankings, Mauritius is the most secure nation in Africa and the twenty second most secure nation on the earth.
Mauritius is a cosmopolitan vacationer paradise with seashores and lagoons, coral diving, water actions, the ‘seven coloured earth’ of Chamarel and delightful forests teeming with wildlife.
The general crime fee in Mauritius is sort of low and the crimes that do happen are often non-violent, similar to petty theft.